Top sealing machine



July 2, :FZ, RICHARD :SEAL'ING MACHINE Filed Nov.. E1157, 1938 y 2 c. F. RICHARD 2,206,203-

TOP SEALING MACHI'NE Filegl Nov. 17, 1938 .5 Sheets-Sheet 2 c. F. RICHARD 2, 06,203

for SEALING MACHINE Jul z, 1940.

' Filed Nov. 17, '1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 July2,,. 1940; c. F. RICHARD 5 2 TOP SEALING MACHINE Filed NOV. 17, 1938 5 Sheets-sheaf 4 Filed Nov. 17, 1938 s Sheets-Sheet 5 e4 .94 1615 F80 71 q as 96 100 102 In Fiio 72 95 2% O f1 :5 1 F23? "H91 65 99 302 41 2196 1 lb 719 if 64 w W July 2, c F H v 2,206,203

TOP SEALING MACH INE Patented July 2, 1940.

NI ED s'rA'rss PATENT osr cs V 2.20am

Y ror sesame. moms Charles I. Richard, Battle (heck, Mich., assignor to Johnson Automatic Sealer 00., Ltd, Battle Creek, Mlcln, a partnership association. limmid, of Michigan Application November 11, less, Serial No. 241,076

This invention relates to packaging machinery, v

and more particularly to means for facilitating and insuring the formation of a tight, dry seal between the top closure elementsof a package '5. such as a carton. o v M 'One of the'obJects oi the invention is to provide a device of novel construction for receiving cartons from the discharge end of a top sealing mechanism and holding the folded, adhesive 10 coated, top iiaps of said cartons in proper position substantially less floor space, than the belt type driers heretofore used for many years through- .20 out the industry.

4 -A iurther object is to provide a top seal drying t and compression mechanism of the character described which is easily and quickly adjustable .to accommodate packages of diiierent sizes, and

85 which constitutes a unitary assembly capable oi use in conjunction with package filling and closing machines of various types.

still another object is to provide a drying and compression unit of novel construction whereinl a continuously moving carrier element receives each carton as. it leaves the topsealei' and holds .the top iiaps thereof in proper position under both heat and pressure until a tight, dry seal is produced, after which the carton is automatically ll removed from the 'carrier and delivered to the output end ofthe unit. These and otherobjects will appear more fully upon consideration of the detailed description of the embodiment of the invention which follows.

{0 Although only one particular form of the complete machine, and one modification of the carrier element construction, are shown in the accompanying drawings,- it is to be expressly understood that these drawings are'for the mole oi! t0 illustration only and are not to be construed as defining the scope of the invention, reference being had for this latter purpose to the appended claims.

' Referring now to the drawings, wherein like 0 reierencecharacters indicate like parts through .out the several views: 4

Fig; 1 is a side elevation of one form of top seal drying and compression mechanism embodying the present invention, including a showing of 55 the discharge end ot-a known type of. carton sealmechanism taken substantially online 6-8 of ing machine and o! the mechanism by which the cartons are transferred from the latter to the carrier elements of the former, a number of the carrier elements having been omitted from (the drawings in order to better illustrate certain fee.- 5 tures of the construction; v Fig. 2 is a plan view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1 with the top hold-down plate of. the

carton transfer mechanism omitted and certain other elements shown in section for clarity; m

Fig. 3 is an end elevation, on an enlarged scale,

0! the drying and compression mechanism shown in Figs. -1 and 2 with certain of the elements shown in section along the line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view in elevation taken sub- 1 s'tantially along line H of Fig. 5, but omitting the carrier elements and certain other members so as to more clearly illustrate the frame construction and the means by which the mechanism is adjusted for use with cartons of diiferent go heights;

'Fig. 5 is a plan view, with certain parts shown in section substantially alongthe line 5-'-5 in Fig. 3, 0! the end pf the mechanism shown in Fig.3, including a showing of the means by which 25 the cartons are removed from the carrier elements and delivered from the machine;

Fig. 6 is a. side view of the carton removing Fig.3,

Fig. 7 is an exploded view of one of the carrier elements oi the mechanism shown in Figs. 1-6 illustrating the manner in which the various component parts of said element cooperate with one another; as Figs. 8 and 9 are elevation and plan views, re-

spectively, of the carrier element 0! Fig. '1;

' Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the carrier element 7 taken substantially on line Ill-"l0 of Fig. 8,"but showing the heating and compression member in o elevated position; Fig. 11 is an enlarged elevation view of a modifled form of carrier element including side compression members for insuring that the small inner flaps of the carton remain in contact with 4,5 the larger outer flaps during the compression and drying of the top seal; Fig. 12 is a fragmentary end elevation, on an enlarged scale and partially in section, or the mechanism or Figs. 1-6 as modified to embody so a carrier elements of the construction shown in Fig. 11, this view correspondingin scope to the upper left-hand portion of Fig. 3;

' Fig. 13 is a fragmentary plan view of t 'e modifled carrier element of Figs. 11 and 12, with cer- 66 prevent depression of the small inner flaps during the drying and compression of. the top seal.

The mechanism of the present invention comprises primarily a plurality of carrier or pocket elements continuously movable in a horizontal plane each adapted to carry a filled and .closed carton and to apply heat and pressure to the adhesive coated top flaps thereof to insure the making of a tight, dry seal, means for transfer- 1 ring the cartons from the discharge end of a top sealing machine to the carrier elements, andmeans for automatically removing the cartons ,from said elements after the drying and setting of the top seals. Each of the carriers includes a compression plate which is automatically lowered and raised into and out of pressure contact with the top flaps of the carton and which is provided with an electrical heating element energized through travelling brushes from stationary bus bars supported on the frame of the machine. The entire mechanism is so constructed that it may be readily adjusted to accommodate cartons of various-sizes, this adjustment being effected by a simple manual operation and without in any way dismantling the machine.

Referring now to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1- 10, it will be seen that the drying and compression mechanism is supported as a unit on a frame comprising three vertical frame members 29, 2| and 22 substantially A-shaped in end view (Figs. 3 and 4), these members being located one adjacent each end of the unit and the other in the middle and being connected together by horizontal tie members 23.and 24. Secured to the upper ends of frame members 20, 2| and 22 are a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel, channel shaped raceway members 25 and 26, the vertical webs of which extend slightly beyond the end'frame members 26 and 22 and serve to properly tie together the upper portion of the framework. Each of raceway members 25- and 26 is provided with a lower horizontal flange 21 having a roller receiving groove or track 28 formed therein, andwith an upper horizontal flange 29 also provided with a roller receiving groove or track 39. At the front or carton receiving end of the unit the parallel sections of. the raceway's formed in the horizontal flanges 21 and 29 of the raceway members 25 and 26 are connected and closed by substantially semicircular lower and upper raceway members one of the sprocket shafts about whichv passes the carrier or pocket supporting chain'next to be described, the connectionsbetween raceway members 33 and 34 and flanges 21 and 29 are such that said members may be adjusted longitudinally of the machine when it is desired to take the unit may be provided with a suitable cover or enclosure (not shown) which can be removably mounted on the frame members 26, 2| and 22 or the upper horizontal flanges 29 of the raceway members in any desired manner.

The carrier or pocket elements of the mechanism, of which there are any suitable number dependent upon the speed of production desired,

are supported and carried by a conveyor chain 35 which passes around and is drivenby a sprocket 36 located at the front or carton receiving end of the machine, and which also engages an idler sprocket 3'| at the opposite end of the machine. The driving sprocket 36 is fixed to a vertical shaft 33 having its lower end journalled in a bearing 39 mounted in a bracket 46 projecting forwardly from frame member 22, the upper end of said shaft being rotatably supported in bearings 4| and 42 formed as parts of lower and upper semicircular raceway members 3| and 32, respectively.

Idler sprocket 31 is fixed to a, vertical shaft 43 similarly journalled in bearings 44 and carried by lower and upper semicircular raceway members 33 and 34, respectively. f

Secured'to the chain 35 at proper intervals thereaiong are a plurality of" carton carrier or pocket elements, the construction of which is shown best in Figs. 7-10. In the embodiment there disclosed, each carrier element. comprises a vertically extending supporting block 46 from the rear face of which project a pair of horizon-' tally spaced ears or bosses 4'! havingthreaded into the bottom surfaces thereof the supporting studs of two rollers 43; ,These rollers are adapted to travel'in the groove or track 23 01' the lower The connection of each supporting block 46 to the chain 35 is made by means of a single chain pin 52 having its lower end threaded into the' upper surface of one of cars 41 and its upper end suitably positioned and held against undesired movement by still another car or, boss 53 projecting 'rearwardly from supporting block 46 and positioned sufficiently above the cooperating car 41 to permit the reception of the chain 35 therebetween. By thus fastening the supporting" block to the chalnat only one point, each carrier element follows a true are in passing around the sprockets 36 and 31 at the ends of the machine.

To form a support for therbottom of the carton to be carried thereby, each carrier element is provided with a base plate 54 which is supported in a horizontal position by abracket 55 extending forwardly from'the lower portion of a vertical up slack in the chain or otherwise compensate forwear of the various parts. I

If required for purposes of safety or protection,

member 53 slidably associated with supporting block 46. To this end, the front face of block 46 is provided with a vertically extending,- undercut groove 51, the groove extending from the bottom of block 46 upwardly throughout the major portion of its height and slidably receiving the base plate carrying member 56.

raceway flanges 21 and lower semicircular race-u way members 3| and 33. The upper end of supporting block46 also carries a rearwardly pro- In order to enable the adjustment of the mechanism to accommodate cartons of difierent sizes, novel means are-provided'for raising or is accomplished by providing the lower end of each vertical slide members with a rearwardly extending stud carrying a roller 58 which extends horizontally into and. travels in a groove ortraclr 59 formed in a raceway member 60, said member being of the same configuration those constituted by the elements 21, 3|, 33 and 29, 82, I4 and similarly constructed in solar as the matter of adjustability at the left-hand end (as viewed in Fig. 1) of the machine'is concerned. Raceway member 60 is provided with three horizontally extending supporting brackets GI, 62 and 63, these brackets being positioned adjacent and extending into the" spaces between the sides of the A-shaped frame members 20, 2| and 22, respectively. The ends of brackets 5|, 62 and 63 which project into the adjacent frame members 20, 2| and 22 are provided with vertical, internally threaded bores through. which pass adjusting screws El, the upper ends of the latter. being seated in sockets 65 (Fig. 4) while the lower ends'are journalled in suitable bearings 66 supported by frame members 20, 2| and 22, each adjusting screw 54 having a collar 61 fixed thereto immediately above the bearing 66. The lower ends of the. adjusting screws associated with frame members 20 and 22 have fixed thereto below the bearings sprockets 68 (Fig. 1), while the center screw 84 has a double sprocket 69 similarly located, these sprockets being interconnected by suitable driving chains Ill. The lower end of the center adjusting screw 64 is also provided with a bevel gear H which meshes with a similar gear 12 fixed to a cross shaft 13 suitably journalled in frame member 2|; one end of said shaft extending outwardly beyond the side of said frame member and having fixed thereto a actuating hand wheel I4.

With this construction, it will be evident that a mere actuation of hand wheel 14 is effective, through sprockets B8 and 69 and chains 10, simultaneously rotate all of adjusting screws 64 in the same-direction and thereby raise or lower,

depending upon the direction of rotation of the hand wheel N, the entire raceway member 60. Movement of raceway G0 in turn raises or lowers the base plates 54 of all of the carrier elements simultaneously due to the extension of the rollers 58 into the groove or track 59 of said member. Inorder to steady the raceway member 50 in its vertical movements and to maintain it in proper position} relatively to the other elements of the machine, the horizontal tie members 23 and Y24 are provided with a plurality of fixed, vertical guide rods 15 which pass upwardly through suitable bores in gu de brackets ll extending transversely between and interconnecting the 'parallel sides of raceway member 5!.

Returning now to the detailed construction of the carrier elements as shown'in Figs; 7-10, there is also provided, in addition to the base plate 54 upon which the bottom of. the carton rests. a vertical, forwardly projecting side plate I! which serves to engage the carton 'as the carrier passes the loading position and to properly position the carton on the'base plate, and a combined heating and compression member, indicated generally at I8, which is adapted plate.

carton after the latter has been received by the carrier element and to apply ,both pressure and hat to the adhesive coated top flaps of the carton to produce a tight, dry seal. I

In the embodiment illustrated, the combined heating and compression member 18 comprises a; supporting plate 19, generally H-shaped in plan as shown in Figs. 7 and 9, two of the legs of the H having downwardly and rearwardly extending arms 88 which embrace the upper end of supporting block 46 therebetween and are pivotally mounted on a fulcrum stud 8| carried by said block. Floatingly suspended from supporting plate 19 is a compression plate 82,

v rectangular in plan and of substantially the same area as base plate 54, the bottom surface of said compression plate being slightly crowned or pyna'midal in form so that, when the plate is moved into contact with the top flaps of the carton, the center portions of-the flaps are depressed slightly more than the edge portions to insure a'tight seal over the entire area of the carton top. Compression plate 82 is connected to supporting plate 19 by four studs 83 positioned in' the corners of the compression plate and passing upwardly 'freely through holes in the supporting plate, the upper ends of said studs being threaded and carrying nuts 84. In order to permit a yielding movement of the compression plate relatively to the supporting plate, each stud 83 is surrounded by a coil spring 85 interposed between the compression and supporting plates. I

The upper surface of compression plate 82 has secured thereto a transversely extending strap which bridges an electrical heating unit 81, said unit being suitably secured to and adapted .to heat the compression plate for theppurpose of facilitating the drying of the adhesive with the rounded head of a central stud 88 which also passes upwardly'freely through the transverseweb portion of supporting plate 19 and is provided with both anut 89 on the upper threaded end thereof and a coil spring 90 interposed between the back or upper side of its rounded head and the bottom surface of supporting plate I9. With this construction, the compression plate 82 is capable of practically universal movement about the head 'of central stud 88 as well as bodily yielding movement relatively to the supporting plate I9, the springs 85 and 90 serving to equalize the pressure exerted .by said compression plate on the top flaps of the carton regardless of the position of said In order to automatically lower and raise the combined heating and compression member 18 for the purpose of bringing the compression plate 82 into and out of contact with the carton flaps, the supporting plate 19 is provided'with an up- .wardly extending arm 9| on the end of which is mounted a cam roller 92. The com roller 92 is adapted to continuously contact the outer surface of an open cam rail 93 which extends entirely around the machine, said rail being supported in proper position above the path of movement of the carrier elements by a plurality of supporting brackets 94 (Figs. 1-3) which are suitably mounted on top-of theupper' horizontal flanges 2Q of raceway members 25 and 26 and upon the corresponding portions of upper semicircular raceway 1 members 32 and 34 The cam rail 93 is so shaped the main shaft 38 of the unit from the carton as to force the combined heating and compression members 18 downwardly to a substantially horizontal position at all times except when the carrier elements are moving through that part of their path which lies between a point slightly one end of a coil spring .96, the other end of the spring being similarly fixed to a stud 91 projecting laterally from a vertically disposed brush holder support 98 which is,suitably secured to the top surface of the upper roller supporting bracket 49 of the carrier assembly. Housed in suitable openings in brush holder support 98 are a pair of brush holders 99 each of which is provided with a carbon brush I88 electrically connected by a flexible wire I8I with the heating unit 81. The brushes I88 are maintained by their holders in continuous electrical contact with a pair of bus bars I82 which are mounted one above the other on fiber supporting plates I83, the latter also being secured to supporting brackets 94 (Fig. 3). It will be understood that the bus bars I82 may be energized in any suitable manner (not shown).

In order to move the carrier elements of the drying and compression unit of the present invention at the proper speed and in the proper timed relation with respect to the operations -of the carton sealing machine with which the unit is associated, means may be provided for driving top sealer itself. In the embodiment illustrated, the lower end of shaft 38 has secured thereto a bevel gear I84 (Figs. 1-3) which meshes with a similar gear I85 fixed to a horizontal, transversely extending shaft I86. )One end of shaft I86-is journalled in a bearing I81 carried by a bracket I88 secured to and extending forwardly from one side of frame member 22, while adjacent the other endvof said shaft there is a second bearing I89 carried by a bracket II8 extending forwardly from a supporting casting III which forms a .part of the means for removing the cartons from the carrier elements, later to be described. Fixed to the end of cross shaft I88 adjacent bearing I89 is an adjustable sprocket II2, this sprocket being drivablyconnected through a suitable chain I I3 with a sprocket I I4 fixed to'a shaft H55 which forms part of the driving mechanism of the carton top sealer machine with which the drying and compression unit is associated. The sprocket H2 is made adjustable in order that the movement of the carrier elements of the drier may be properly synchronized withthe operations of the carton sealer machine. The shaft I IE1 is suitably journalled in bearings carried by the frame II8 of the top sealer, and may obtain its drive in any desired manner from an electric motor (not shown) also mountedon the top sealer frame H6.

In order to insure that the cartons are properly delivered from the exit end of the top sealer to the carrier elements of the drying and compression funit, suitable means are provided for advancing each of the freshly sealed cartons to a position wherein it will be engaged by the side plate ll of one of the carrier elements as the plates 54.

latter passes around the forward end of the unit and for guiding the carton during the first part of its travel after engagement by said side plate so as to properly position the same relatively to the base plate 54 and the heating and compression member I8. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2,[

the discharge end of the top sealing machine embodies a known form of belt type discharge conveyor comprising a lower belt III and anupper belt I I8 driven in unison-by suitable chains and sprockets from drive shaft IIS of the top sealer, the belt mechanisms being suitably supported by a framework which includes a bottom supporting member II9, a top supporting member I28 and a pair of vertical side supports I2l. Fixed to one of'side supports I2I is a horizontal slide bar I22 which extends toward the drying and compression unit parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof and terminates at a point just outsideof the path of travel of the carrier elements. Slidably mounted ,on bar I22 is a slide bracket I23 adapted to be reciprocated along the bar by means of a connecting rod I 24 and a suitable operating cam (not shown) which may be actuated in any suitable manner, as by the shaft H5, for

example. Slide bracket I23 carries at its lefthand end .(as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2) a verticalfulcrum stud I25 on which is pivotally mounted a pusher plate I28. The lower end of fulcrum crum stud I25 in a counterclockwise direction when the slide bracket I23 is moved outwardly away from the drying and compression unit so that the plate may pass by any carton which may then be moving toward the unit between the lower and upper belts III and H8 of the discharge conveyor.

As each carton is pushed from between belts II! and H8 by the pusher plate I26, it passes between a bottom supporting plate I28 which is suitably fixed to the bottom supporting member II 9 of the discharge conveyor and a top holddown plate I29 simflarly mounted on top supporting member I28, the top hold-down plate serving to retain the freshly glued and folded top flaps in proper position until the carton comes to rest beneath the combined heating and compression member 18 of one of the carrier elements of the drier and compression unit. As indicated in Figs. 2 and 5, the bottom supporting plate I28 has an arcuate portion extending through substantially 98 overlying the path of travel of the base plates 580i the carrier elements during the second half of their turn around the forward end of the unit, and is provided with a pair of curved side guide members I38 which are adapted to guide the cartons in the proper curvilinear path from the time when they are first engaged by the side plates 11 until they pass off bottom supporting plate I28 onto the base I In this connection, it is to be noted that. the raceway member 88 of the drying and compression unit'is so adjusted by means of they hand wheel 1| that the base plates 54 are positioned at such a height that they pass just beneath the bottom supportingplate I28. The cam rail 93 is also so designed that the compression plates 82 are suiliciently velevated in passing around the forward or carton receiving end of the unit to clear the top hold-down plate I29.

It will be understood that the cam or other I 2,208,203 means which ac'tuates the connecting rod I24 01 slide bracket I23 is so designed and driven at such speed that the pusher plate I26 is recipro cated in proper timed relation to the movements I of the carrier elements to insure that cartons are transferred at the proper times from the discharge conveyor of the top sealer to the position in which they are engaggi by the side plates 11 of the carrier elements a moving the cartons from the carrier elements of the drying and compression unit after the top seals thereof have been completely dried and set, which means are manually adjustable 'simultaneously with: the carrier elements to accommodate different sizes of cartons. form illustrated, the carton removing mechanism is supported on the hereinbefore identified cast- I ing III in a position off-set from the longitudinal axis of the unit and adjacent the forward or carton receiving end thereof. As previously described, supporting casting III is secured to and extends outwardly from frame member 22, and is substantially channel shaped in cross section, as

shown in Fig. 6. At its outer end casting. III

is provided with an upwardly extending portion;- I3I, substantially rectangular in plan, in the four Fixed to base plate I34 is a centrally positioned,

downwardly extending boss I35 having an internally threaded bore into. which extends the upper end of an adjusting screw shaft I36 journalled adjacent its lower end in a bearing I31,

carried by casting III.- The boss I35 of base plate I34 passes freely through a suitable opening formed in the upper surface of portion I3I of casting III. To the lower end of adjusting screw shaft I36'is fixed a bev 1 gear I38 which meshes with a similar gear I3 fast to the outer end of a horizontal cross shaft I49 journalled in suitable bearings MI and I42 carried by casting III and frame member 22, respectively Also fixed to cross shaft I40 adjacent bearing I42 is anotherbevel gear I43 which meshes with a corresponding gear I44 secured to the lower end'of the adjusting screw 64 associated with frame member 32. With this construction, it will be obvious that, whenever hand wheel 14 is actuated to raise or lower raceway member 6Il for the purpose of adjusting the positions of the base plates 54 of the carrier elements, the base plate I34 of the carton removing mechanism is likewise raised or lowered through the actuation of cross shaft I46 and adjusting screw shaft I36.

Rotatably supported with respect to the base plate I 34 is a circular turntable I45 which is so positioned as to rotate in a plane just beneath that of the base plates 54 of the carrier elements with its periphery underlying a portion of the path of travel of said elements (Figs. 4 and 5). Turntable I45 is provided at its center with a boss I46.which is keyed to a vertical shaft I" for rotation therewith and axial movement therealong, the lower surface of boss I46 contacting the upper surface of the, bearing portion .01 a bracket I48 which is fixed to base plate I34 and in which. is journalledthe shaft I41. Base plate I36 is also provided with a second bracket I49 secured thereto at a pointoutside the pe-' The mechanism of the present invention is also I ,provided'with novel means for automatically re- In the the turntable to the center thereof at which it is provided with a bearing for shaft I41 the bottom surface of which contacts-the uppe surface of the boss I56. With this construction,

raising or lowering the base plate I34 through the means previously described will at the same time slide boss I46 and turntable I45 axially along shaft I41. I

The lower end of shaft I4? is journalled in a suitable bearing I56 carried by a bracket I5I. substantially U-shap'ed in plan, which embraces and is secured to the upwardly extending portion I3I of supporting casting III. Fixed to shaft It? just above and resting on bearing I50 is a gear I52 which meshes with the gear portion I53 of a combined gear and sprocket member I54 rotatably mounted on a stud I55. The lower surface of gear portion I53 rests on, and the lower end of d I55 isreceived in, a boss I56 which is also arried by the bracket I5I. The sprocket portion-I51 of combined gear and sprocket member I54 is drivably connected by a suitablechain I58 with the upper sprocket of a double sprocket member I59 which is rotatably supported by means of a stud I69 and a boss I6I forming part of a bracket I62, the latter being mounted on the bracket no which supports the bearing Ice for shaft I06. The lower sprocket of double sprocket member I59 -is in turn drivably con-.v

nected bya chain I63 with a sprocket I64 fixed to the main driving shaft 38 of the drying and compression unit immediately above the bevel gear I64. With this construction, it will be seen that the shaft I 41 and turntable I45 are continuously rotated by driving shaft 38 while the drying and compression unit is in operation, and

.that the turntable may be adjusted vertically along shaft I4I without interrupting the driving connection therebetween and simultaneously with the adjustment of the base plates 54 of the carrier elements.

In order to properly guide the cartons out of the carrier elements and on to the turntable I45,

upper and lower guide members I65 and I55 are provided which, as. shown best in Fig. 5, extend angularly inwardly into the path of travel oi. the cartons as they are carried by the carrier elements. These guide members are so positioned;

and so shaped that, as each carton comes into contact with the inner ends. thereof and continues to travel with the carrier element toward plate I34. For the purposeof guiding the cartons'in the proper path as they are carried around on the turntable I45, additional guide members I68 and I69 may be provided, these members being substantially J-shaped in plan and supported in parallel relation to one another above turntable I45 in any suitable manner; as shown.

the inner guide member I68 is mounted on studs I'III adjustably threaded into brackets III extending outwardly from the end of bearing bracket. I49 which supports the upper end of shaft I41, while the'outer guide member I69 is similarly the forward end of the unit (at which time the. combined heating andcompression member 35 is member I61 secured to the qunderside of base I mounted on studs! 12 carried bothby the bracket member I81 and by a Y-shaped bracket member I13 which may be formed integrally with bearing bracket member I48 and thereby secured to base plate I34. The straight ends of guide members I88 and I88 extend outwardly beyond the periphery of the turntable I45 substantially parallel to the longitudinal center line of the drying and compression unit, and are adapted to guide the completely sealed cartons as they leave the turntable and pass to a conveyor or any other suitable mechanism (not shown) by which they may be transferred to the next station in. the production line.

Although the operation or the embodiment of,

' the invention shown in Figs. 1-10 should be clear from the foregoing description thereof, it may be summarized as follows. Filled cartons which have just had their top flaps coated with adhesive and then folded to sealing position on top of one another are successively transferred by the pusher plate I26 from between the belts I11 and H8 of the discharge conveyor of the carton top sealing machine to a position in which they rest on bottom supporting'plate I28, with the flaps held downby plate I29, directly in the path of travel of the side plates 11 of the carrier or pocket elements of the drying and compression unit, said elements being continuously moved through the path defined by the raceway memoccupies during the time when the carrier ele-.

ment is passing around the forward or carton receiving end of the unit, and, due to the cooperation between cam roller 92 and cam rail 98,'is forced downwardly into pressure contact with the top flaps of the carton. As previously described, the compression plate 82 is both yieldably and universally mounted with respect to its supporting plate 19 so that the proper pressure is applied uniformly to the carton top.

The carton is then held in this position in the carrier element while the latter moves the length of the machine, around the rear end thereof, and back to a position closely adjacent the inner ends of the guide members I 85 and I68, 01 the discharge mechanism, during which time the pressure and heat applied by compression plate 82 and heating unit 81 produce a dry, tight seal between the top flaps. As the carrier approaches the discharge position, the combined heating and compression member 18 is again raised out of contact with the top flaps due to the shape of cam rall 88, further movement of the carrierelement bringing the carton into contact with the guide members I85 and I88 which thereupon remove the carton from the carrier and transfer it to the turntable I 48 in. the manner previously described. The turntable I45 then. carries the cartons around to the discharge end of the guides I68 and IE8, whence they may be transferred in any suitable manner to the next station of the production line.

As hitherto pointed out, both the carrier elements and the carton discharge mechanism of the drying and compression unit may be simultaneously adjusted to accommodate various sizes of cartons by merely turning hand wheel 14 in the proper direction to raise or lower both raceway member 60, which controls the position of thebase plates 54 of the carrier elements, and base plate I34 which controls the position of the turntable I45 and associated elements of the discharge mechanism.

Although the mechanism of Figs. 1-10 is well capable of producing tight, dry top seals on packages of widely varying types, in cases where cartons having small inner flaps are to be sealed and where it is desired to insure that these flaps be, desirable to employ the modified construction As shown, each of the modified carrier elements (the construction of which, as well as that of the entire unit, is the same as that illustrated injigs. 1-10 except for the difierences now to be described) is provided with a pressure plate 11% which is fixed to-the rear face of side plate 11 and has a horizontally projecting, curved portion i15 extending over the top edge of side plate 11 and inwardly beyond the front face of the latter in a position to engage one of the wider sides of the carton .at a point slightly below the top edge thereof. When the carton is properly positioned in the carrier, the portion I15 of pressure plate I14 will push the side of the carton inwardly a slight amount in a plane just below that occupied by the infolded small inner flaps, and will thereby tend to hold said flaps against downward movement when pressure is applied by the compression plate 82 to the outer larger flaps.

In order to balance the pressures exerted on the cartons by plates "4 and to increase the efiectivenes's of the flap supporting means, a plurality of pressure fingers I18 are-provided, one for each of the carrier elements, each having a horizontally projecting, curved portion 1 complemental to and coplanar with the portion I15 of pressure plate I14 and adapted to engage the side of the carton opposite to thatagainst which the portion I15 applies its pressure. While the pressure fingers I18 might be suitably mounted on the carrier elements themselves, the modification or the invention disclosed herein. provides for the mounting of these fingers on a separate chain I18 which is driven by a sprocket I18 adjustably securedto the hub of main driving sprocket 36.

The sprocket I18 is made adjustable relatively to sprocket 36 in order that the pressure fingers I18 may be moved relatively to pressure plates I14 so as to accommodate cartons of difierent widths. At the rear end of the machine the pressure finger carrying chain I18 may pass over a suitable idler sprocket (not shown) mounted on idler shaft 43. To insure that the chain I18 travels in the proper path, each of the links I80 by which the pressure fingers I18 are connected to the chain may be provided with a roller I8I which extends upwardly into and moves in a groove or track I82 formed in a horizontally projecting flange I83 carried-by raceway members 25 and 28 intermediate the lower and upper horizontal flanges 21 and 29. Should the chain I18 require support against sagging, the raceway members 25 and-'26 may also be provided with horizontally projecting bars or rails I84 the and lower side plates of the chain links.

The manner in which the horlsontally jecting, curved portions I and I" of a pressure plate I14 and its associated pressure finger l'li operate upon a .carton to prevent depression or the small inner flaps during the. application or pressure by the compression plate 82 is' diagrammatically illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15.

Due to the fact that the pressure fingers "6 are carried on a separate chahi and are con:

nected to that chain at positions oil-set from sprockets at the ends of the unit, the result belog that, as indicated in Fig. 13, these pressure members are spread apart suiliciently to permit the free introduction or a carton the'rebetween when each carrier element passes the loading position. Inasmuch as the removal of the-"cartons from the carrier elements must also take place while the pressure members are separated, it will be understood that, when using the modifled structure of- Figs. 11 45, the positions of the inner ends ot'discharge guidemembers Iii and.

I66 are also changed so as to first contact the cartons after the carrier elements have started to move in the curved portion of their path around the front end of the-unit. Should it be desired to mount the pressure fingers I16 on the carrier elements themselves, it will be'recognlzed that the same results canbe accomplished by pivoting the pressure fingers on thesupporting blocks 46 and providing a suitable camfor swin ing said fingers outwardly away from the pressure. plates I14 during the time when the carrier elements are passing the carton loading and unloading positions.

There is thus provided by the present invention an improved form of mechanism for forming tight, dry seals between the top closure elements of packages which is particularly well adapted for use with highspeed, continuous motion carton sealing machinery. With the mechanism herein disclosed, both controlled pressure and heat may be applied to the tops of filled and: closed packages while the latter are in motion and for a sumcient length of time toinsure thorough drying and setting of the top seals. The construction of the drying and compression mechanism is such that it constitutes a unitary device adapted for use with packaging machin-- cry of various types, and capable of ready adjustment to accommodate packages of diflerent sizes.

Because ofthe improved manner, in which the pressure is applied to the-package tops. and because of the contemporaneous application of heat to the compression members, a substantially shorter length of time is-required to.-efiect drying. of the seals than has been necessary with the belt type 0! drier formerly used, an improved result which is also reflected in a material saving in floor space; for example, with a mechanism of the construction herein disclosed having forty-four carrier elementsand a total over-all length of only twelve feet, cartmis'can be properly sealed at the rate oi one hundred twenty per minute, a speedier operationthat would require a belt type drier of approximately twenty-four to twenty-eight feet. in length. A further advantage of the mechanism oi present invention resides in the fact that e heat and pressure are applied to each packagein- 'dividually by a separate mechanism, thereby iaindividual packages may vary in so far as. the thickness ofthe closure elements or theextent or filling or the package is concerned.

While only one complete embodiment oi. the invention, and one modification of the carrier cilltating uniformity of results even though the construction, have been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be obvious that the invention is not limited to the exact structures shown but is capable of a variety of mechanical embodiments. For example, the speciiic manner in which the carrier "elements are I supported and guidedin their movements may be modified without affecting the operational the mechanism, as may be the particular meansill'ustrated for transmitting power to the various elements of the machine. It is also evident that the number, size and detailed construction of the carrier elements may be varied as desired in order to enable the drying and compression unit to cooperate with top sealer'machines of various speeds of operation and to handle packages or various types. It is likewise contemplated that the means by which the various elements of the mechanism are supported in their operative positions may be modified to suit the conditions encountered in diflerent installations. Va-' rious other changes, .which will now suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, may be made in the form, details of construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit of the invention. Reference is'therefore to be had to the appended claimsfor a,defl-. nition of the limits of the invention.

. What is claimed is:

elements each adapted to receive and support one of said packages, means for moving said carrier elements in a closed path, means ior loadins packages into said carrier elements operable intimed relation to the movements of said elements, a member mounted on each of said carrier elements for applying pressure to the top of the package carried thereby, means for moving v said members out of and into pressure applying position, said last named means. being so constructed and arranged as to maintain-each of .said members out of pressure applying position during the time when a package is being loaded into the associated carrier element, and means for removing said packages from said carrier elements after the application of pressure thereto. 2. A top seal drying and compression'mechaqnism for use with a packaging machine of the type which delivers to the discharge end thereof packages having closed tops including adhesivecoated closure elements folded into contact with one another, comprising a plurality of carrier elements each adapted to receive and support one of said packages, means tor moving said carrier elements in a closed path, means for load-- ing: packages into said carrier elements operable in timed relation to the movements 0! said ele-- ments, a member mounted on each of said carrier elements for applying pressure tothe top of the package carried thereby, means ior'moving position, said last named means being so constructed andarranged as to maintain each of a said members out of and into pressure applying during the time when a package is being loaded into the associated carrier: element, means forapplying heat to the tops of said packages simultaneously with the application of pressure thereto by said pressure applying members, and means for removing sald packages from said carrier elements after the application pressure and heat thereto.

3. A top seal drying and compression mechanism for use with a packaging machine of the type which delivers to the discharge end thereof packages having closed tops including adhesive coated closure elements folded into contact with one another, comprising a plurality of carrier elements each adapted to receive and support one of said packages, means for continuously moving said carrier elements in a closed path, means for loading packages into said carrier elements oper- 1 said pressure applying members have been raised out of pressure applying position.

4. A top seal drying and compression mechanism for use with a packaging machine of the type which delivers to the discharge end thereof packages having closed tops including adhesive coated closure elements folded into contact with one another, comprising a pluralityof carrier elements each adapted to receive and-support one of said packages, means for continuously moving said carrier elements in a closed path, means for loading packages into said carrier elements operable ,in timed relation to the movements of saidelements, a member mounted on and movable with each of said carrier elements for applying pressure to the top of the package carried thereby, means for raising and lowering said members out of and into pressure'applying position, said last named means being so constructed and er ranged as to maintain each of said members out of ,pressure applying position during the time when a package is being loaded into the associated carrier element, heating means associated with said pressure applying members for applying heat to the tops of said packages simultaneously with the application of pressure thereto. and means for removing said packages from said carrier elements after the application of pressure and heat thereto.

5. A top seal drying and compression mechanism for use with a packaging machine of the type which delivers to the discharge end thereof packages having closed tops including adhesive coated closure elements folded into contact with one another, comprising a plurality of carrier elements each adapted to'receive and supp one of said packages, means for moving said carrier elements in a closed path, means for loading packages into said carrier elements operable in timed relation to the movements of 'said elements, means for applying pressure and heat to the tops of the packages after they have been loaded into said carrier elements, and means for removing the packages from said carrier elements after the application of pressure and heat thereto including a movable package conveyor member positioned closely adjacent thepath of movement of said carrier elements and means for transferring said packages from said elements to said conveyor member.

6. -A top seal drying and compressionmechnism for use with a packaging machine of the type which delivers to the discharge end thereof packages having closed tops including adhesive.

coated closureelements folded into contact with one another, comprising a plurality of carrier elementseach adapted to receive and support one of said packages, means formoving said carrier elements in a closed path, means for loading packages into said carrier elements operable in timed relation to the, movements of said elements, means for applying pressure and heat to the tops of the packages after they have been rier elements each adapted to receive and support a package having. a closed top including adhesive coated-closure members folded into contact with one another, a member mounted on each of said carrier elements for applying pressure to the top of the package carried thereby, meansfor moving said members into and out of pressure applying position, and means for applying heat to the tops of said packages simul-' taneously with the application of pressure there- ,to by said pressure applying members.

8. In a packaging machine, a-plurality of car-- rier elements each adapted to receive and support a package having a closed bop including adhesive coated closure members folded into contact with one another, means formoving said carrier elements in a closed path, 'a' member mounted on and movable with each of said carrier elements for applying pressure to the top port a package having a closed top including adhesive coated closure members folded into contact with one another, means for moving said carrier elements in a closed path, a, member mounted on and movable with each of said carrier elements for applying pressure tothe top of the package carried thereby, means for raising and lowering said members out of and into pressure applying position at predetermined points inthe path of movement of said carrier elements, and means for applying heat to the tops of said packages simultaneously with the application of pressure thereto by said pressure applying members.

' 10. In a packaging machine, a plurality of car- I rier elements each adapted to receive and support a package having a closed top including adhesive coated closure members folded into contact with one another, means for moving said carrier elements in a closed 'path, a; member mounted on and movable with each of said caring and lowering said members out of and into pressure applying position at predetermined points in the path of movement of said carrier elements, and heating elements carried by said pressure applying members for applying heat to the tops of said packages simultaneously with the application of pressure th reto.

11. In a packaging ma he, a plurality of carrier elements each adapted to receive and support a package having a closed top including adhesive coated closuremembers folded into con-- tact with one another, means for moving said top including adhesive coated closure elements Iii.

folded into contact with one another. means for moving said carrier elements in a closed path, a member mounted on and movable with each of said carrier elements for applying pressure to the top of the package carried thereby, means for raising and lowering said last named members out of and into pressure applying position at predetermined points in the path of movement of said carrier elements, and means for raising or lowering the package supporting members of all of said carrier elements simultaneously to adjust the machine for use 'with packages of different sizes.

13. In a packaging machine, a plurality of carrier elements each having a member adapted to receive and support a package having a closed top including adhesive coated closure elements folded into contact with one another, means for moving said carrier elenrents in a closed path, a member mounted on and movable with each of said carrier elementsfor applying pressure to the top of the package carried thereby, means for raising and lowering said last named members out of and into pressure applying position at predetermined points in the path of movement of said carrier elements. means for removing the packages from said carrier elements after the application of pressure thereto, and means for raising or lowering the package supporting members of all bf said carrier elements and said packaging removing means simultaneously to adjust the machine for use with packages of different sizes.

14. In a packaging machine, a plurality of carrier elements each having a member adapted to receive and support a package having a closed top including adhesive coated closure elements "of said carrier elements, means for removing the packages from said carrier'ielements after the application of pressure thereto, including a rotatable turntable positioned closelyiadjacentthe rier elements for applying pressure to the top of the package carried thereby, means for raispath of movement of said carrier elements and guide means extending .into thepath of move-.

ment of said carrier elements for transferring said packages from the latter to said turntable,

and means for raising or lowering the package supporting members of all of said carrier elements and'said turntable simultaneously to adjust the machine for use with packages of different sizes. l

15; In a packaging machine, a supporting frame, a conveyor element mounted on said 7 frame for movement thereon in a closed path, a

plurality of package carrier elements each having a member connected to said conveyor element and a package supporting member vertically movable relatively to saidflrst named member, and means for raising or lowering the package supporting members of all of said carrier elements simultaneously.

16. In a packaging machine, a supporting frame, a conveyor element mounted on said frame for movement thereon in a closed path, a plurality of package carrier elements each having a member connected to said conveyor element and a second member vertically movable relatively to said first named member, a package supporting member fixed to each of said vertically movable members, a track of thesame configuration as the path of movement of said conveyor element, a track follower carried by each of said vertically movable members, and means for raising and lowering said track relatively to saidframe to adjust the positions of all of said package supporting members simultaneously. V

' 17. In a packaging machine, a supporting frame, a conveyor element mounted on said frame for movement thereon in a closed, path, a plurality of package carrier elements each having a member connected to said conveyor element and a second member vertically movable relatively to said first named member, a package supvertically movable members, means for removing packages from said carrier elements including a supporting element, a turntable rotatably mounted on said supportlng element in a position closely adjacent the path of movement of said carrier elements and guide means extending into the path of movement of said carrier elements for transferring packages from the latter to said turntable, and common means for raising and lowering both said track and said supporting element relatively to said frame to adjust the positionsof all of said package supporting members and said turntable simultaneously.

18. In a packaging machine of thetype including a. plurality of package carrier elements secured to a, movable conveyor each adapted to receive and support a package having adhesive coated top closure elements folded into contact with one another to close the package, a package carrier element comprising a supporting member'adapted for connection to the conveyor, a package supporting base plate vertically adjustable relatively to said'supporting member,

and a pressure applying member mounted on said supporting member and adapted for movement relatively thereto into and out of contact with the top of the mckage supported onsaid base plate.

19,.In a packaging machine of the type in: 7,5,

eluding a plurality of package carrier elements secured to a movable conveyor each adapted to receive and support a package having adhesive coated top closure elements folded into contact 5 with one another to close the package, a package carrier element comprising a supporting member adapted for connection to the conveyor, a package supporting base plate vertically adjustable relatively to said supporting membe a pressure applying member mounted on said supporting member and adapted for movement relatives ly thereto into and out of contact with the top 25 a package supporting base plate vertically adjustable relatively to said supporting member, a pressure applying member mounted on said supporting member and adapted for movement relatively thereto into and out of contact with 30 the top of the package supported on said base plate, and a heating device carried by said pressure applying member for applying heat to the top of said package simultaneously with the application of pressure thereto. 35 21. In a packaging machine of the type ineluding a plurality of package carrier elements secured to a movable conveyor each adapted to receive and support a package having adhesive coated top closure elements folded into contact 40 with one another to close the package, a package carrier element comprising a supporting member adapted for connection to the conveyor, a package supporting base plate vertically adjustable relatively to said supporting member, and a 45 combined pressure and heat=applying member pivotally mounted on said supporting member for movement relatively thereto into and out of contact with the top of the package supported on said base plate.

50 22. In a packaging machine of the type including a plurality .of package carrier elements secured to a movable conveyor each adapted to receive and support a package having adhesive coated top closure elements folded into contact 55 with one another to close the package, a package carrier element comprising a supporting block adapted for connection to the conveyor, a member slidably mounted in the lower portion of said supporting block for movement relatively 9 thereto in a vertical plane, a package supporting base plate fixed to said slidable member, and a pressure applying member pivotally mounted adjacent the upper end of said supporting block for movement relatively thereto into and out of 65 contact with the top of the package supported on said base plate.

23. In a packaging machine, a supporting frame, a conveyor element mounted on said frame for movement thereon in a closed path, a plurality 7 of package carrier elements secured to said coninto and out of contact with the top of said package !or applying sealing pressure thereto, and means associated with eachof said carrierelements and movable therewith for applying pres-- sure to opposite sides of the package carried thereby at points slightly below the top edges thereof to prevent depression of the closure elements when sealing pressure is applied thereto by said pressure applying member.

24. In a packaging machine, a supporting frame, an endless conveyor chain mounted on said frame for movement thereon in a closed path,

a plurality of package carrier elements secured to said chain at intervals therealong, each of said carrier-elements including a member adapted to support a package having adhesive coated top closure elements folded into contact with one another to close the package and a member movable into and out of contact with the top of said package for applying sealing pressure thereto, and a pair of members associated with each of said carrier elements and movable therewith for applying pressure to opposite sides of the package carried thereby at points slightly below the top edges thereof to prevent depression of the closure elements when sealing pressure is applied thereto by said first mentioned pressure applying member, one of each pair of said members being mounted on the associated carrier element and the other being fixed to a second conveyor chain parallel to and movable in synchronism with said first mentioned chain.

25. -A packaging machine according to claim 24 wherein the points of connection to their respective chains of each carrier element and the associated chain carried side pressure applying member lie in difl'erent vertical planes.

26. A packaging machine according to claim 24 wherein said second conveyor chain is movable relatively to said first mentioned chain to permit 40 adjustment of the horizontal distance between the side pressure applying members of each pair.

27. In a packaging machine of the type including a plurality of package carrier elements secured to a movable conveyor each adapted to receive and support a package having adhesive coated top closure elements folded into contact with one another to close the package, a package carrier element comprising a supporting member adapted for connection to the conveyor, a 0

package supporting base plate carried by said supporting member, a pressure applying member mounted on said supporting member and adapted for movement relatively thereto into and out of contact'with the top of the package supported on said base plate, and means associated with said carrier element for applying pressure to opposite sides of the package at points slightly below the top edges thereof to prevent depression of the closure elements when said pressure applying to member is moved into contact therewith.

28. In a packaging machine of the type includ- .ing a plurality of package carrier elements secured to a movable conveyor each adapted to receive and slglport a package having adhesive. coated top closure elements folded into contact with one another to close the package, a package carrier element comprising a supporting member adapted for connection to the conveyor, a package supporting base plate' carried by said sup- 7 porting member, a pressure applying member mounted on said supporting member and adapted for movement relatively thereto into and out of contact with the top of the package supported on said base plate, a vertical side plate adapted 35 plate and having an edge projecting beyond the carton contacting surface of the latter at a height slightly less than that of the top of the package, and a second horizontal pressureapplying member coplanar with the first and adapted to apply pressure to the opposite side of the carton, said second horizontal pressure applying member being so constructed and arranged as to be movable relatively to said first mentioned member to vary the distance therebetween.

CHARLES F. RICHARD. 

